Fifth-generation practitioner, educator, and author will oversee the College of Classical Chinese Medicine curriculum and clinical education, effective April 14. 

Dr. Dongcheng Li has been named as the new dean of the College of Classical Chinese Medicine at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) effective beginning on April 14.  

In this leadership position, Li will oversee the Chinese medicine programs at NUNM, crafting strategic initiatives that uphold the quality of curriculum and clinical education, while also managing faculty and student relationships. 

“Chinese medicine is more than a healing system,” said Li, a fifth-generation Chinese Medicine practitioner. “It is a philosophy that teaches us about life, balance, nature, and human connection.” 

Li began his training from an early age in China, where he earned a medical degree in Traditional Chinese medicine and a master’s degree in Chinese medicine. After moving to the United States in 2007, he earned a doctorate in education from Johns Hopkins University and a second master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Texas at Arlington. 

Throughout his career, he has taught Chinese medicine at institutions such as Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, and the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. 

“He has a background in education, hired faculty and built innovative curriculum, and is passionate about building a global program,” said Dr. Heather Zwickey, Vice President of Research and Academic Excellence at NUNM. “We believe Dr. Li will help us create a program that we can all be proud of and carry into the future.” 

Prior to NUNM, Li worked in Florida as an acupuncture physician and taught preparation courses for acupuncture board licensing to students in both the U.S. and China. He is the author of more than 10 books on Chinese medicine and is fluent in both English and Mandarin.  

“My hope is that together, we continue to cultivate curiosity, refine our skills, and strengthen our commitment to making Chinese medicine more accessible and impactful,” Li said.